As the owner of one exquisitely gifted left foot exits Everton, another is arriving on the scene.

Ageing doesn't have many benefits, but being old enough to have witnessed the imperious majesty of Kevin Sheedy first-hand is some consolation to seeing my half-century landmark recede worryingly into the distance.

But being a young man in the 1980s I witnessed the Republic of Ireland rapier score many of his 97 goals – exclusively from midfield.

Take a glance at Everton's list of all-time top scorers and Sheedy features in the top 10, the only man who isn't an out and out striker on the chart.

Everton coach Kevin Sheedy talks to his players before a game

Yes, there were a handful of headers and even one or two with his swinger, but most came from that fantastically fashioned left-foot.

After passing on some of those tips to his younger charges at Everton, Sheedy has now accepted an unexpected offer to coach in Saudi Arabia.

But there's a new left foot on the block - and it's every bit as exquisite as the man who helped coach it.

Kieran Dowell has been the stand-out performer of Everton's pre-season so far.

Dowell creates goals, whips in crosses, sees openings and spreads play with his passing.

He was the youngster Evertonians were most excited about when David Unsworth introduced a raft of his soon to be Under-23 title winners on the last day of the 2015/16 season against Norwich.

He did okay, but his debut was overshadowed by an even spikier performance from his good mate Tom Davies.

The teenager nicknamed the 'Ketwig Kaiser' by adoring Evertonians kicked on and enjoyed a stellar breakthrough season, while Dowell was left waiting for his second senior start.

He's still waiting – and whether he gets it this season remains to be seen.

Everton U23s Kieran Dowell lifts up the Premier League 2 trophy

Given the size of Everton's current squad, a loan move is on the cards – but Everton would push for any loan deal to be at the highest level possible and somewhere Dowell would definitely get game time.